The Cheat
Where to Watch The Cheat
The Cheat is an American silent drama film from 1915, directed by famed filmmaker Cecil B. DeMille. The film stars Fannie Ward, Sessue Hayakawa, and Jack Dean, and it is renowned for its innovative storytelling techniques, including the use of a non-linear narrative and chiaroscuro lighting, a technique typical to German expressionist films that enhances the use of light and shadow to create a stark contrast on screen.
The film presents an ambitious woman named Edith Hardy, performed by Fannie Ward, who is married to a stockbroker named Richard Hardy, played by Jack Dean. Edith is a socialite and humanitarian, but she is also recklessly indulgent and has a great fondness for luxury andmagnificence. Despite her husband's decent income, her insatiable desire for affluence leads her to live a life beyond their means.
Sessue Hayakawa brilliantly embodies the character of the wealthy Count Tori, who becomes embroiled in Edith's life as a result of her dilemmatic financial situation. Count Tori, who is both astute and manipulative, offers a way out of her crisis, but with a high price. His sinister and intense portrayal adds a depth of intrigue to the story while also stoking the tension that is brewing.
A tale of greed, desperation, and retribution, The Cheat plunges the viewer into a complex and tragic story where the lust for luxury clashes with the boundaries of ethics. The narrative's escalating drama unveils the true colors of its characters, providing an intricate look into human nature.
What sets this film apart is its revolutionary techniques that were groundbreaking for its time. The dark, moody lighting creates an atmosphere of forboding and foreboding that powerfully evokes the film's tone. DeMille's exceptional direction is evident in his ability to bring depth and richness to the narrative through the cinematic medium.
Hayakawa's performance as the wealthy and sinister Count Tori brings a captivating complexity to his character. His portrayal is deep and nuanced, bringing to life not just a villain, but a character with a real psychology and motivations. His performance was so impactful that it led him to become one of the first Asian actors to achieve international fame.
Fannie Ward as Edith Hardy delivers a fascinating and robust performance. She brings life to the ostentatious and naive Edith, whose ambitions lead her down a perilous path. Her characterization of Edith is dynamic and engaging, offering a layered portrayal of a woman doing whatever it takes to maintain her luxurious lifestyle.
Jack Dean's portrayal of Richard Hardy is one of notable subtlety and depth. He gives us a man caught between the desperate actions of his wife and the malicious intents of Count Tori.
The Cheat is an exploration of the dark side of desire, materialism, deception, and the eventual ramifications that follow when one's moral compass is compromised. But more than just a moral tale, it's also a film that pushes boundaries in visual storytelling through innovative cinematic techniques and powerful performances from its lead actors.
Released before the implementation of the Hays Code—a set of industry moral guidelines applied to most United States motion pictures released by major studios—the movie was able to delve into contentious ethical areas including gambling, debts, extramarital deception, and sinful propositions.
A film that must be admired not just for its dramatic narrative but also for its contribution to the development of cinematography and silent film storytelling, The Cheat is a landmark piece in the history of American cinema that remains relevant even today. Its thematic exploration of greed, desire, and deceit still resonate and its technical innovations make it a classic deserving of evaluation and viewing.
The Cheat is a Drama movie released in 1915. It has a runtime of 59 Critics and viewers have rated it moderate reviews, with an IMDb score of 6.5..
How to Watch The Cheat
Where can I stream The Cheat movie online? The Cheat is available to watch and stream, buy on demand, download at Amazon Prime, Amazon Prime, MGM+, FuboTV, Apple TV Channels, FlixFling, Tubi TV, Amazon. Some platforms allow you to rent The Cheat for a limited time or purchase the movie for downloading.